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Thailand Live Wednesday 9 Nov 2011


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TR @wannasiri_: Bangkok & Ayutthaya cities have cancelled Loy Krathong. Event still on in ChiangMai, Sutkothai, Hatyai, Phitsanulok, Tak.

RT @tulsathit: TR @Neaw_NBC: Two crocodiles on the loose in Buddhamonthon, Nakhon Pathom. A villager bitten, wounded. #smsMGR (9.38)

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Posted

Big C Delays Importing Eggs from Malaysia

Big C Superstore has delayed its import of eggs from Malaysia citing a sufficient supply of domestic eggs, at a million eggs daily.

Kudatan Nakviroj, Director of Corporate Relations at Big C Super Center, said his company has decided to delay its import of 650,000 eggs from Malaysia, following last Sunday's talks with the Department of Livestock Development, local layer farmers, and retail stores.

Domestic egg production is currently at 1.05 million eggs daily or 7.35 million eggs weekly.

Kudatan noted that retail chains need to distribute eggs to their outlets throughout the country.

He believes good distribution planning will help address any shortage problems in the event that farms are unable to supply eggs to retailers.

The executive added that the buying departments of retail chains are holding discussions with farmers regarding delivery schedules and retail prices.

Generally, they will try to sell eggs at prices as close to the market prices as possible.

He went on to say that each retail chain will take care of packing and distributing eggs to local stores as eggs are delivered from farms in paper cartons.

Kudatan said import usually takes a long time, as all the eggs must be examined for diseases.

He confirmed that eggs are still available at all Big C stores, but there may not be enough to meet the demand.

He expressed confidence that the public will act with less panic and stop stocking up eggs should farms be able to continue to supply eggs to the market.

Kudatan noted that the company will continue to import other products, such as drinking water, canned fish, and instant noodles.

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-- Tan Network 2011-11-09

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Posted

Flood shelter set up for Pheu Thai MPs

The Nation

The Pheu Thai Party has transformed its headquarter into a shelter for MPs faced with flooding of their homes, MP Sakda Kongphet said on Wednesday.

"As their homes were inundated, MPs could stay at the party headquarters during the budget debate," he said.

Sakda said the main coalition party would provide lodging and transportation facilities in order to ensure the quorum for the passage of the Budget Bill.

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-- The Nation 2011-11-09

Posted

Remediation Measures Stimulated As Flood Situation Stable

Since the flood situation in many provinces have stabilized, officials are rushing to remedy the flooded areas.

Despite the improvement of the flood situation in Nakhon Sawan Province, many companies cannot resume their operations, causing a large number of workers in the province to remain unemployed.

Villager Wichien Laimue-ngam used to work as a construction worker and was paid 290 baht daily.

The heavy floods that hit the province since October 10 have left him without an income to support his family.

He has been making a living through collecting and selling recyclable garbage, generating an income of at least 300 baht daily.

Police officials from Muang Ang Thong police station at Ang Thong province continued to patrol flooded zones with flat-bottomed boats to inspect upon people's homes and properties, after thieves exploited the situation to steal from flood victims.

The water level in the Chao Phraya River is continuously receding, causing lower volumes of water flowing into Ang Thong Province.

However, the river's water level in front of the city hall was still more than a meter higher than the critical level of 7.3 meters, as it was measured at 8.98 meters yesterday.

The average floodwater-level is between 30 centimeters to 2 meters.

In Uthai Thani Province, the flood situation is improving continuously, especially in the downtown, as the floodwater level has decreased for approximately 50 centimeters and is continuing to recede.

The floodwater level in many downtown housing estates reduced by about 15 centimeters and it is expected that the situation will normalize within 10 days.

Officials are now starting to apply the effective microorganisms to improve the water quality in flooded areas.

Nonthaburi Governor Wichien Puttiwinyu disclosed that since the Cabinet agreed to compensate Nonthaburi flood victims at the rate of 5,000 baht per family, 8,282 affected households in Pakkred and Bang Bua Thong districts are now able to receive their compensations through the Government Savings Bank.

However, 7,078 affected households from 6 districts are still awaiting for the compensation approval.

Authorities from local government organizations are hurrying to examine all submerged homes and distribute payment to flood victims immediately before the situation normalizes.

The Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department reported that there are 24 provinces with severe flooding such as Nakhon Sawan, Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Suphanburi, Pathumthani, Nonthaburi, and Bangkok.

All of these provinces combined are comprised of 141 districts, or 1,067 sub-districts, and a total of 7,543 villages.

More than a million households with 2.9 million residents were affected. A total of 527 residents were confirmed dead and two residents were missing in the floods.

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-- Tan Network 2011-11-09

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Posted

Shelter Opened for Pets of Flood Victims

The Livestock Development Department has set up a temporary shelter for the pets of families displaced by the flooding.

The devastating floods have forced mandatory evacuations, and as a result, many pets were left stranded by their owners.

For this reason, the Livestock Development Department has opened a temporary shelter to accommodate pets during the flood crisis.

Pet owners who have been evacuated and cannot care for their animals during the evacuation can bring their pets to the shelter.

A large number of dogs, cats, rabbits, and hamsters have been brought to the shelter by families displaced by flooding.

Some of them were sick when they were brought in, as they have not been fed for many days.

Anyone who wishes to donate food or to help officials provide care for the animals can visit the Livestock Development Department in Phaya Thai District.

Two girls from RS Promotion, Nannie and Gypsy from the sexy Girly Berry pop group, visited the animals at the shelter and donated some pet food.

Nannie, who joined the activities with a pale face, disclosed that she has several illnesses such as accoucheur's hand.

She is exhausted and has respiratory problems.

The singer said her doctor told her there is no medicine for this disease, but it can be treated by relaxation and avoidance of stress.

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-- Tan Network 2011-11-09

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Posted

Flood recedes at Bang Phlat district

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BANGKOK, Nov 9 -- Floodwaters at Bangkok's Bang Phlat district are receding by 5-10cm, but it is causing difficulties for transportation as boats which had earlier navigated through the road without difficulty could not now pass through because some sections have become too shallow.

Bang Phlat was hit by flooding late last month after the flood prevention barrier ruptured, and water from the Chao Phraya River poured into the district and water level surged more than one metre high.

The water on Charansanitwong Road in Bang Phlat district receded by 5-10cm while the level in various lanes declined to 30-40cm, but some sections of Charansanitwong remain under water, the condition causing difficulties for residents as the road is mixed between dry and wet sections.

Meanwhile, regarding the flood situation on Vibhavadi Road, the water is very close to Sutthisarn intersection. The water is not deep but has spread over a wide area.

Floodwater reportedly surged into Soi Yothinpattana 3 in Bueng Kum district where Prime Minister Yingluck Shinatwatra's residence is located, but the water has not yet reached her home.

In a related development, Dr Seri Suparatit of the Sirindhorn International Environmental Park warned that the six-kilometre long 'Big Bag' barrier built to curb the deluge from the north from flowing into inner Bangkok could only delay the water, but it would overflow the barrier within a week and possibly flood inner Bangkok.

He said the massive volume of water kept flowing into Bangkok but was obstructed by the 1-2 tonne sandbag barriers, the 'Big Bag' which only temporarily retained the water.

Dr Seri, a Rangsit University academic and water expert, said the water might reach Victory Monument because there is a large volume of water heading to Bangkok. (MCOT online news)

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-- TNA 2011-11-09

Posted

10:28am Nawamin - New Kaset's junction near Patthawikorn market flooded by 30cm. Small cars hardly passable ~ @fm91trafficpro

Big Bags could hold floods for 7 days before being inundated as 200 mn cu. m. of water mass from North is flowing in;about 100 mn cu.m.already in inner Bkk /The NATION

Flood reaches Bang Bon,should reach Rama II Rd in few days.Flood level at Bang Chan industrial estate rising /The NATION

Posted

Bang Bon flooded, water just 3km to Rama II Road, main route to south; Bangchan Industrial Estate on alert as water level rising in Saen Saeb Canal /MCOT

10:51am Minister of Communications confident Suvarnabhumi Airport not to get flooded ~ @Neaw_NBC

Posted

Loy Krathong Spending Expected to Hit 5-Year Low Due to Flooding

The University of the Chamber of Commerce expects spending during the Loy Krathong Festival to be the lowest in the past five years due to flooding.

The University of the Chamber of Commerce Economic and Business Forecasting expects more than 8.1 billion baht to be spent during this year's Loy Krathong Festival, down 16.5 percent from last year, according to a survey of 1,224 people.

The projected spending is the lowest since 2007.

The survey found 48.3 percent of respondents have already stocked up on basic supplies like drinking water, instant noodles, and dry food, while the remainder have not, as they believe their areas will not be flooded.

Saowanee Thairungroj, Deputy Director for Academic at the University of the Chamber of Commerce or UTCC, said the flooding has affected the regular lives of the people and caused stress among residents.

She added that the floods make travel and communication more difficult, and that it's difficult to find supplies.

Most people said they have savings to cover two month's worth of expenses, and after that they may have to borrow.

Saowanee suggested that the government oversee lending for individuals.

Thanawat Phonwichai, Director of UTCC's Economic Business Forecasting Center, said the floods have caused between 350 and 450 billion baht in economic losses and left 100,000 to 300,000 people jobless.

The unemployment claims could be as high as 700,000 when taking temporary unemployment into account .

He added that the government must address the unemployment and price problems, as well as provide timely compensation for flood victims and loans for the grass-roots companies.

Thanawat said if the government is slow to act and focuses too much on helping the industrial sector, people will resort to informal sources of financing.

He expects it will take the industrial sector at least six months to recover from the floods.

Meanwhile, the majority of respondents are dissatisfied with the government's handling of the flood situation, giving it 4.8 marks out of 10 for reporting and 5.8 marks for relief operation.

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-- Tan Network 2011-11-09

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Posted

Boat Services: Source of Income during Flood

Boat services have generated income for some local residents during the flood crisis.

The flood disaster in Thailand has heavily affected transportation and traffic.

Boat services have become a mode of transportation to serve residents in the flooded areas, and boat owners have been earning an income from the services.

The Reuter press interviewed Akekapat Napattarasiri, who previously worked as a motorcycle taxi driver.

Recently, he has been providing boat services to locals in flooded areas.

The boat service fee has been raised from 10 baht to 20 baht per ride. He earns more than 2,000 baht a day.

His passengers have been struggling to commute from their homes to their workplaces and boat services have become the most convenient way.

Meanwhile, officials disclosed that the water level is as high as 80 centimeters in many areas of Bangkok, which has paralyzed traffic.

Bus services have not been available to serve the commuters.

A number of Bangkok residents have been suffering from the inundation more than two weeks.

Furthermore, the total number of deaths has reached more than 500 nationwide.

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-- Tan Network 2011-11-09

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Posted

Action not words will restore confidence: Kittiratt

The Nation

The government will take prompt action in prevent a repeat of catastrophic flood, Deputy Prime Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong said on Wednesday.

"The only way to restore the investor's confidence is to act instead of talking," he said.

Kittiratt said the two strategic committees tasked to prevent future flooding would convene in the next few days.

The two - Strategic Committee for Reconstruction and Future Development (SCRF) and Strategic Committee for Water Resources Management (SCWRM), will closely work together to overcome the flooding, he said.

The SCRF is headed by Virabongsa Ramangkura, he said, adding that the SCWRM is led by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra who will delegate him to chair the meeting on her behalf.

In order to improve on the water management, the SCWRM will involve foreign consultants, particularly those from Japan and the Netherlands, he said.

The government is expected to finance the overhual of water management by either issuing tresury bonds or borrowing from international financial institutions such as the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, he said.

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-- The Nation 2011-11-09

Posted

Mobile Kitchen Fleet Launched for Flood Victims

Many provinces unaffected by the flooding continue sending aid to flood victims.

Yesterday, Songkhla Governor Winyu Thongsakul, in cooperation with the 42nd Senanarong Military Camp, the Military Wives Association, and the Tong Sia Seang Tueng Foundation, and members of the public prepared 10,000 food boxes for flood victims in Bangkok's Minburi District.

The project was planned to run from yesterday to November 15.

In addition, many airlines, including Thai Airways, Nok Air, and Air Asia have provided free services to transport boxes directly from Songkhla to Bangkok.

Assistant Interior Minister Wongsak Sawasdipanich presided over the launch of a mobile kitchen fleet in Nong Khai Province.

The caravan is heading to Chonburi's Banglamung District and will be stationed there to provide 6,000 food boxes to be distributed to Bangkok's flooded areas.

Chon Buri's Air and Coastal Defense Command based in Chon Buri's Sattahip District has also opened a flood evacuation center.

As of now, the number of evacuees has surpassed 250.

The Royal Thai Navy is providing food and relief packages.

In addition, the Navy has sent its personnel for flood relief efforts in submerged provinces.

Furthermore, in Phitsanulok Province, the Noen Maprang District administration and local people prepared 10,000 glutinous rice roasted in bamboo joints, dried food, and cash donations to send to affected provinces.

The flood relief efforts of many provinces are in line with the Interior Ministry's campaign to persuade those living in unaffected areas to offer aid to flood victims.

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-- Tan Network 2011-11-09

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Posted

The New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has reviewed its travel advisory for Thailand to provide updated information on the flooding situation. There has been no change to the risk levels in the travel advisory. Please see the advisory in full below.

Thailand

Reviewed: 09 November 2011, 16:30 NZDT

Flooding in Thailand

We advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel to the city of Bangkok and the 26 provinces in Thailand affected by flooding due to disruptions to transport and other services and sporadic food and water shortages. Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok is operating normally and our advice against all tourist and other non-essential travel does not apply to transit through Suvarnabhumi airport.

The flood affected provinces are: Sukhothai, Phichit, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Saraburi, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Pathumathani, Nonthaburi, Samutsakhon, Ubon Ratchathani, Khon Kaen, Srisaket, Roi-et, Surin, Mahasarakham, Kalasin, Chacheongsao, Nakhon Nayok and Prachinburi.

Heavy rainfall over and above that usually experienced during the monsoon season has caused severe flooding across central, northern and north-eastern Thailand. There is a continuing risk of mudslides and flash flooding and the possibility of disruption to essential services in flood affected areas.

New Zealanders currently in Thailand are advised to monitor local news and weather reports closely and adhere to any instructions issued by the Thai authorities. You should contact your airline, tour operator, and insurance provider directly if your travel plans are disrupted.

- Airports

Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok remains open. It is possible the airport may be busier than usual given the closure of Don Muang airport (see below) and travellers are advised to check in early. Flights from Suvarnabhumi airport to elsewhere in Thailand continue to operate (i.e the resort destinations of Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Krabi, Koh Samui and Phuket). Don Muang airport in Bangkok has been closed since 25 October due to flooding. New Zealanders scheduled to travel through Don Muang airport are advised to contact their airline or travel agent directly to make alternative arrangements.

- Road and rail travel

Road and rail routes to the north of Bangkok have been disrupted due to flooding, and there is a possibility that southern routes will be affected as well. Travel within Bangkok is also being affected as streets become flooded. We recommend you follow the advice of the Thai authorities and adhere to any restrictions on travel to flood affected areas.

- Bangkok

Significant flooding continues to affect many areas of Bangkok as flood waters from the north make their way towards the Gulf of Thailand. A number of outer districts are under evacuation orders. While the greater Bangkok area has an extensive network of flood barriers and canals, these have struggled to cope with the vast body of water that is affecting the city. If there are further breaches of flood defences there remains a significant risk that central parts of Bangkok will also be affected by flooding.

Flooding in central Bangkok is likely to disrupt city transport systems, and affect tourist attractions (including the Grand Palace and Khao San Road). River ferry services have already been affected, and the area around the popular Chatuchak Market is flooded. Floods may affect electricity, water supplies and communication in certain areas.

Due to high demand, shops and supermarkets in Bangkok are running short of bottled water, tinned food and other necessities. You should take sensible precautions with food and water including boiling tap water before drinking. New Zealanders currently in Bangkok should follow the advice of their hotel or tour operator and the Thai authorities. Parts of the city may be unaffected by the flooding.

- Resort destinations of Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Krabi, Koh Samui and Phuket

The resort destinations of Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Hua Hin, Krabi, Koh Samui and Phuket are not currently affected by the flooding and are operating normally. We are not advising against travel to these destinations. Hotel accommodation in the resort towns of Pattaya and Hua Hin is reportedly heavily booked due to flooding in Bangkok.

- Further information

For further information please visit the following websites:

Thailand Tourism, www.thailandtourismupdate.com/

Thailand's 24/7 Flood Emergency Operation Center, www.disaster.go.th/dpm/flood/floodeng.html

Thailand's Meteorology Department, www.tmd.go.th/en/

Within Thailand it is possible to call the Thai government's 24/7 English language call centre for flood advice and assistance. The number to call is 1111 extension 9.

Additional travel advice for New Zealanders travelling to Thailand

There is 'high risk' to your security in the southernmost provinces of Narathiwat, Yala, Pattani and Songkhla because of ongoing politically-motivated and criminal violence. We advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel to these provinces. Since 2004 there have been over 4,000 deaths as a result of terrorist and other violent attacks. The Thai Government's Emergency Decree is in force in the southern provinces of Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat with the Internal Security Act also applicable in parts of Songkhla. These laws give the police and military forces broad powers in addressing security threats. The Thai Government has warned tourists not to travel to these areas.

There is 'high risk' to your security along the Thailand/Cambodia border and along the Thailand/Burma border and we advise against all tourist and other non-essential travel to these areas. There are extensive deployments of Thai and Cambodian troops along large areas of the Thai/Cambodia border. In February and April 2011 there were violent clashes involving loss of life and injuries in the vicinity of Preah Vihear temple (adjacent to Thailand's Si Sa Ket province and Cambodia's Preah Vihear province) and in the border areas adjacent to Thailand's Surin province and Cambodia's Oddar Menchey provinces. Sporadic conflict near the Burma/Thai border occurs between the Burma military and armed opposition groups as well as between Thai security forces and armed criminal groups (such as drug traffickers).

We also advise caution throughout Thailand due to the uncertain political situation, potential for civil unrest and threat from terrorism.

Civil unrest

Major political protests took place in Bangkok from March to May 2010 resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. A spate of bombings, arson attacks and other violence occurred in Bangkok and in some of Thailand's northern cities, including Chiang Mai, in 2010.

Large protest rallies, including to mark anniversaries of key dates in the recent protests, have taken place regularly at various locations in Bangkok, especially at the Democracy Monument on Ratchadamneon Avenue, the Rajaprasong intersection, and outside the main government buildings. These rallies may continue and there remains the possibility of further political activity.

New Zealanders throughout Thailand are strongly advised to avoid all protests and rallies, and any areas of military or security force activity. We recommend you comply with any restrictions and instructions issued by the local authorities, monitor events closely and remain vigilant as the security situation could change quickly.

Terrorism

Due to the threat from terrorism, New Zealanders are advised to exercise a very high degree of personal security awareness in Thailand. This advice extends also to New Zealanders in or planning to visit popular tourist destinations. Particular care should be taken in public and commercial areas, including landmark places known to be frequented by foreigners, public transport facilities, hotels, bars, tourist resorts and shopping areas.

General travel advice

It is a requirement under Thai law to carry photo identification at all times. A New Zealand driver's licence or a photocopy of the biodata page from a passport would be adequate identification in the first instance.

New Zealanders travelling or living in Thailand should have comprehensive medical and travel insurance policies in place.

New Zealanders in Thailand are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, www.safetravel.govt.nz

The New Zealand Embassy Bangkok, Thailand

Contact details are:

Street Address: M Thai Tower, 14th floor, All Seasons Place, 87 Wireless Road, Bangkok

Postal Address: PO Box 2719, Bangkok 10500

Telephone: +66 2 254 2530

Facsimile: +66 2 253 9045

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.nzembassy.com/thailand

Office Hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1200, 1300-1630 hrs

Posted

Finance Minister: Govt Savings Bank Has Enough Cash for Flood Compensation Payments

The finance minister insists the Government Housing Bank has enough cash to cover flood compensation payments on behalf of the government.

Finance Minister Thirachai Bhuvanartnaranubala said the Government Savings Bank will advance flood compensation payments of 5,000 baht per household on behalf of the government.

More funds are required for compensation in Bangkok than in other provinces.

Teerachai said that the Government Savings Bank is obliged to provide additional funding of 20 billion baht for commercial banks to offer soft loans to small and medium businesses.

He added that the bank will also offer 15 billion in loans with an interest rate of 0.01 percent for seven years to seven flood-stricken industrial estates, to fund the construction of flood walls with drainage pipelines underneath.

The state-run bank will manage risk involved, while the government will subsidize interest payments.

The finance minister admitted that many state-owned banks do not have enough cash and may need to raise more funds.

He said his ministry is ready to provide additional funding, but the banks must make their financial disclosure to international standards so the ministry is able to know its actual financial footing.

He also urged the banks to promote measures to help flood victims and offer fast service.

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-- Tan Network 2011-11-09

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Posted

11:25am Vibhavadi from Ladprao juntion to Bangsue canal flooded by 30-40cm. Traffic at Suthisarn blocked http://pic.twitter.com/asflJMAg ~ @js100radio

12:12pm Water in Bang-aor canal is 3 more centimeter to spill over http://bit.ly/t1igfo ~ @Voice_TV

12:05pm Traffic on Kamnanmaen in/outbound from Terdthai to Kallapapruek blocked due to 40-80cm of flood water~ @fm91trafficpro

11:40am Water seeps at Ratchavithi junction near Khaodin & creeps out from sewers near BTS Saphankwai by 5cm ~ @Neaw_NBC

10:30am Water in front of Yanhee Hospital decreased to 10cm. Small cars now passable http://lockerz.com/s/154538627 ~ @Voice_TV

Posted

BMA evac order: Ramintra sub-district(Khubon Rd, Ramintra Rd) & Kannayao sub-district (Ramintra Rd, Kanchana Rd, Serithai Rd) ~ @bangkokgovernor

BMA orders evacuation of Kubon Soi 6, 21, 23, 31; Ramintra Rd; Kanchanapisek Rd; Serithai Rd; puts Lardprao Subdistrict on watch list /TANN

BMA issues evacuation advisory for Kannayao subdistrict, Ramindra, Ku Bon Road; special close watch for possible evacuation of Lat Phrao subdistrict /MCOT

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More Evacuation Ordered for Bangkok

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has ordered the evacuation of Kubon Soi 6, 21, 23 and 31, Ramintra Road, Kanchanapisek Road and Serithai Road. It has also placed Lardprao Subdistrict in Lardprao District on the flood watch list.

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